Winter build project: Wolfgang Matt’s ATLAS

I'm currently stalled with my build, I have at least decided on the servos and hopefully should have them before too long, once I have them I can sort out their installation in the fuselage.

What I'm currently floundering on is the tail control surface linkages. Mike's running piano wire down plastic tubes, but suggested I looked at some Teflon tubing with piano wire running in it, John B has used this in his last build, and after contacting him and the suppliers it appears it needs supporting every 2-3 inches! That would be about 10 supports down the fuselage So I'm back to thinking about plastic tubing. I can find snakes with inner and outer plastic tubes, but no plastic tubes to run piano wire in! Am I missing something, or do I just buy three snakes and throw away the inner plastic?

Are there any alternative approaches/ products I should be thinking of?

The plastic tubes I used in the Blue Angel were outers from Sullivan snakes. I had them in stock and needed tubes so they got used. For the Atlas I got some tubes from Spire Models in Salisbury. They were about 60p each but I cannot be sure how many Neil had in stock. If mail ordering, these from SLEC are not too expensive.

I got my 63mm wheels from SLEC

Chris, I have a bundle of Sullivan type straight and fairly stiff plastic sleeve and inner which looks as if it could be teflon. Certainly slides very smoothly and the sleeve, being stiff, shouldn't need a lot of support along it's length, I'll bring them to clubnight tomorrow, you may be able to select something suitable for your project.
Hope it may help.

Hi David, that's very kind of you to offer to bring your snakes to the club meeting tonight, unfortunately it is looking unlikely that I'll be able to attend, and as our paths rarely cross at the field I'll either take a trip to Salisbury, having never visited Spire Models, or put in an online order, there's various bits I seem to need, hopefully they can all be sourced at one place.

Thanks for your offer of help with the tubes.

Best wishes Chris

OK Chris, on your way to Spire from Wimborne you will probably be passing my house, I live in Breamore 2 miles north of Fordingbridge on the A338 (I'm a lot easier to find the Spire Models too!). why not call in and you can check out my stock.

Thank you David that's very kind of you. I'll PM you to see when might be convenient.

Your comment about you being easier to find than Spire Models brought me up short, I had assumed it was the model shop I thought I'd seen on Fisherton Street in Salisbury, I was quite surprised to discover it's a residential address in Laverstock! I'm now wondering if I've imagined seeing a model shop in Salisbury.

Thanks again, Chris

Model shop Salisbury? Yes if you like trains and want to become an anorak... :lol: :whistle:

FYI, I spoke to Andy at Probuild and internet sales are still continuing whilst the ongoing move is in progress. You can order parts by phone or internet for delivery but picking up bits by appointment from the house.

What do you mean, 'become an anorak'? that happened years ago although I do like my models to fly so I'll probably not be popping in.

Glad that Probuild is still going, I'd heard they have relocated, but I wasn't sure if it's going to be a new shop front somewhere else or just internet sales from now on.

PhilF51 wrote: Model shop Salisbury? Yes if you like trains...

If you've never been to Spire Models, you should not disperse misinformation. Spire Models is a proper, old-fashioned model shop. Kits, radios, models hanging from the ceiling, bits and bobs galore and clutter all over the place. Make sure you call first because Neil only opens the shop three days a week (Thursday, Friday and Saturday last time I was there) and then for a limited time (10am to 4pm)

Chris, the shop is right at the top of Napier Crescent, a pre-fab and concrete council estate. First time I went it was cold and icy and before GPS existed. By the time I found it it was dark and the concrete road was icing up. I assumed I had got lost and gave up when the my car slipped on the ice and wouldn't make it to the top of the road. When I came back a week later I realised that I had been only 2 doors away when I gave up.

Mike, I think you will find Phil was referring to the model shop on Fisherton Street in Salisbury, not Spire Models